Barbell Landmine Split Squat

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Intermediate

A unilateral split squat variation using a landmine, which loads the legs and core. It targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings, improving unilateral strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell, Landmine Attachment

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Abs, Lower Back

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Rest slightly longer between switching legs for maximal effort sets.

How to Perform

Anchor the barbell in a landmine base. Load the free end and grasp it with both hands at chest height. Step back into a split stance with your front knee slightly bent and maintain a stable, upright torso.

  1. Brace your core tightly and initiate the descent by bending both knees simultaneously.
  2. Lower your hips straight down until the back knee hovers just above the ground.
  3. Ensure the front knee tracks safely over the middle of your front foot.
  4. Drive powerfully through the entire front foot to stand back up to the starting position.
  5. Fully extend the front hip and knee at the top of the movement.
  6. Complete all required reps on one side before switching legs.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core braced, chest tall.
  • Knee tracks over foot.
  • Drive through the front heel.
  • Control the descent.

Breathing

Inhale deeply while lowering and bracing your core; exhale forcefully as you drive back up to full extension.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Descend until the thigh of the front leg is parallel to the ground or the back knee is just above the floor.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the landmine anchor is secure before loading the bar.
  • Keep the torso stable to protect the lower back.
  • Maintain control throughout the entire range of motion.

Spotting

Not recommended; the fixed landmine path provides stability. Reduce load or safely drop the bar forward if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Allowing the front knee to collapse inward.
  • Bouncing the back knee off the floor.
  • Excessive forward rounding of the back.

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee or ankle joint pain.
  • Severe balance issues.

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexor mobility in the trail leg.

Build Up First

  • Proficiency with bodyweight split squats.
  • Ability to maintain core bracing under load.

Also known as

Landmine Split Squat, Landmine Lunge, Landmine Front Foot Elevated Split Squat

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